I believe we can all be artists. Whether we paint, make music, write poems, cook inspired meals or design—or more—there is something within us all that yearns to create in some way. Expression, our voice, what we think and say, is often born of how we associate with others and with life experiences.  

I like to think my gift, as such, comes from connecting dots. I can’t help myself! 

Here’s where I hang from way out on a limb. Recently I was shocked by the news that Kamala Harris chose Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate. I must admit, I’ve known very little about his record until today. I was rooting for Josh Shapiro because I was proud of his non-controversial record, ability to serve from the ground up to governorship in my home state, and his appeal to members of both parties. His name was mentioned in the press so many times that I figured it would be a done deal. 

Then the news delivered the surprise. Tim Walz, governor of a midwestern state, hardly mentioned during the vetting days, will now be front and center as, potentially, our new vice president.  

I know more about his record now. I’m pleased by his ability to reach across the aisle, I’m sure the Harris for President campaign will build even more momentum in the days to come.  

Trust me to include a few words about why I was pleased about Tim Walz’s Minnesota roots. 

You may laugh now: Some of the best horses I’ve ever known came east from Minnesota. That’s right. As a teenager I tried to get to every horse auction I could just to watch and learn. Dealers came from all over the country. The sales would go on for hours and into the early mornings. Horses of all ages and breeds; many not even trained, sadly; many not even healthy came through the ring. But the very best horses at these sales came from Minnesota. They were honest, healthy, good-looking, slick, well-trained Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, Paints, and some were “grades,” meaning “no papers.” 

So Minnesota became a magic word from my youth. I finally got to own one of those horses. He is what we call an “honest horse,” because he is willing to trust and willing to give of himself. I have a feeling that honesty is an ethic of the Midwest. We could use a lot of that right now.  

I may not be an artist. Connecting the dots the way I do may not be inspiring or impressive. I just thought being honest about who we are, what we know comes from our hearts—not what we assume because of influencers who steer us to the dark side—might help us see brighter days ahead.

Jennifer Canfield lives in Damascus Township, PA.